Chantix Suicide
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Chantix Suicide
Chantix is a prescription drug designed to help smokers quit the habit. Drug manufacturer Pfizer Inc. developed the drug and obtained FDA approval to put it on the market in May of 2006. Since that date approximately 3 million Americans have used Chantix; there are over 45 million smokers in the U.S. and those who don’t wish they could stop are undoubtedly a small minority.
The market potential of Chantix is substantial, and Pfizer has also obtained permission to sell it in the UK. However during the short period the drug has been available, a controversy that continues to build has arisen about side effects. Coming out of the clinical trials, Pfizer included in its packaging notification – the piece of paper about side effects that comes with every prescription – a list of potential side effects that includes insomnia, nausea and 'abnormal dreams'.
As the drug went into circulation, however, physicians and patients were reporting serious neuropsychiatric problems that might be associated with the drug. Chantix users were experiencing depression and moodiness and in some cases, psychotic episodes and suicidal behavior. By February of 2007 the FDA had issued a Public Health Advisory noting that there may be a causal relationship between Chantix and severe psychiatric difficulties.
Pfizer was asked to include a warning about potential psychiatric problems as a prominent feature in its cautionary sheet – including the possibility of suicidal ideation and attempts. If you filled a prescription for Chantix after February of 2007, you probably got an explanation of the potential psychiatric effects of the drug from the pharmacist.
The FDA has continued to receive reports about Chantix generating psychiatric problems. One year after its initial warning it has issued another one, this time an "FDA Alert." In their words, "...it appears increasingly likely that there is an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms."
Unofficial estimates put the number of suicides associated with Chantix users at about forty. The number of patients who have survived some degree of psychiatric disruption has not been published, but clearly that number is substantial. The FDA has issued two warnings about Chantix in the 20 months since it has been on the market.
Now there is talk about the drug working for other addictions, including alcoholism. The relationship between clinical depression and alcoholic behavior has long been established; the potential for suicide if Chantix is used to treat alcoholism would be greatly increased. While the FDA has not chosen to take the drug off the market, clearly people who have struggled with depression and despair would be taking a risk by choosing to quit smoking with the aid of Chantix.
If you lost a loved one due to a suicide brought on by Chantix use, please contact us immediately
Chantix Suicide In The News
Stop smoking drug concernConcerns are raised about the safety of a "wonder drug" which is used to help people quit smoking.
Scripps tests hold hope for smokersRats in Jupiter are getting fewer kicks from nicotine.
Plan to quit smoking in 2009The beginning of a new year is a little more than a month away, and many will be making resolutions for 2009. Now is the time to start making plans to quit using tobacco products. As with any endeavor, a well-thought-out strategic plan followed up with action, discipline and accountability will increase your ability to succeed.
